Dara | Aurora, CO

“Choosing to better myself meant facing the struggle of being open, realizing that healing requires letting go of my walls and seeking the help I needed.”

I grew up in a happy household with family support, but having immigrated from Mexico when I was young, I faced a lot of feelings of being left out because of cultural isolation. I started using drugs here and there as a teenager, but things changed when I got involved with someone deep in addiction. I became addicted, and it started taking over my life. I did things I never imagined. I couldn’t understand why I was choosing substances over everything else. It wasn’t until I lost everything and ended up in prison that I realized I needed to change.

In prison, I reflected on my life and struggled with expressing my feelings. Talking about emotions isn’t common in the Latine culture, so being open about my pain was hard. When I decided to get sober, my reluctance to share became a barrier to my healing. Over time, with the help of a community center focused on providing activities and connection in recovery, I learned that seeking help and being open to therapy was a strength, not a weakness. It’s still challenging, especially in my culture where seeking help can be seen as a sign of weakness. But I’ve come to understand that healing requires breaking down those walls and embracing things that feel unfamiliar.

Recovery also taught me how addiction affects our bodies and minds. Long-term substance use changes the brain’s chemistry, making it harder for the body to work. Early recovery is a healing process, and it’s natural to feel anxious or low on energy. Without the support from medication, it can be easy to feel isolated and depressed. For me, medication was crucial for my recovery and helped restore balance, giving me the energy to work, attend meetings, and stay connected. With the right help, recovery became more than just a dream.

Now, I’m lucky to work as a bilingual recovery coach, helping others. I’ve seen how important it is to provide support in both English and Spanish. Many people in my community face language barriers and don’t know where to turn for help. I offer guidance that’s culturally relevant, understanding their unique struggles. I can relate to their struggles and want to be there for them the way I wish someone had supported me. In recovery, building connections is everything. It’s about finding people who can understand and support you. Reach out, make connections, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Saying “I need help, and I need it today” is a powerful step in your journey. The right connections can make all the difference.